As Bar Manager at the eclectic Auckland restaurant and cocktail destination Beast & Butterflies at the M Social Hotel on Princes Wharf, Gavin brings a creative & scientific approach to Pacific fusion flavours in his cocktails. His small, sophisticated list compliments the food menu while offering his customers new and interesting combinations as a testament to its place as the standard bearer of the New Zealand cocktail scene.

Gavin chose 1908 as the prize year from the Heering heritage. A year when New Zealand scientist Ernest Rutherford received the Nobel Prize for chemistry and the Sazerac was immortalised in print for the first time.

Hailing from Scotland, Gavin’s love for Cherry Heering has come a long way since discovering it in his parent’s liquor cabinet as a young man. “Cherry Heering is the bottle that I remember seeing first in my parents drinks cabinet, I remember opening it and thinking it smelled like the best sweet I’d ever come across.”

“When I was a young and naive bartender I mixed Cherry Heering with Coke and thought I’d invented the greatest drink the world had ever seen!”

Gavin took the opposite journey to Ernest Rutherford by leaving the UK and settling in New Zealand and it was there that he began honing his cocktail skills where his analytical skills and emphasis on the right chemistry in building his drinks offering came to the fore.

His latest effort, inspired by the Sazerac, which was first noted in print, also in 1908 is a lot more sophisticated but it is the chemistry of his bar team that Gavin feels is just as important as the combination of flavours in his cocktails. “It may sound as if I’m being a little righteous, but I feel that the industry would be improved if it was more of an even playing field for female bartenders. I think it can be a little bit of a boys club, although it is getting better – female bartenders are getting more and more global recognition and the awesome work of people like Speed Rack(Female exclusive bartender competition in UK and Canada) are making it a more appealing industry for ladies.”

“During the recruitment process for Beast & Butterflies I was surprised at how few female applicants we had for the bar positions compared to the floor at the restaurant. The female applicants I approached were already happily in higher positions or on better pay rates than I could offer, but since we have started, several waitresses have expressed an interest in learning the tricks of the bar trade, which I am encouraging massively.”

Another important area where Gavin sees great strides being made is the current sustainability trend amongst bars worldwide. “It’s probably a well-worn tale by now, but I like the fact that bartenders are becoming more aware of sustainability. I’m in agreement with Simon Difford that sustainability doesn’t necessarily mean we have to be making syrups and cordials out of eggshells and lime husks (although, I don’t see too much wrong with that) but its good that we are becoming more aware of how we can control and minimise the waste that we do create. The current rejection of plastic drinking straws is the best trend that’s happened since I became a bartender! I’ve never understood why there were no decent alternatives, ever since I was a glassy in a nightclub and had to sweep them up and bin them in their hundreds every night.”

The Auckland bar scene prides itself on innovation and in the spirit of Ernest Rutherford, Gavin’s fusion of flavours manifests itself in a beautifully designed and eclectic cocktail list. The combination of local ingredients, international experience and the right blend of staff is, like Professor Rutherford all those years ago, making a splash on the global scene.

Gavin’s attitude to inclusiveness and sustainability is helping to keep New Zealand’s cocktail voice a loud one in the global community and nothing shouts louder that a modern eclectic re-interpretation of a heritage brand like Cherry Heering.

ALPHA/BETA Cocktail

20ml Cherry Heering

20ml Canadian Whisky

5ml Orgeat Syrup

1 dash Absinthe

1 dash Peychauds Bitters

45ml Champagne

Method:Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, except for champagne, and stir with ice. Strain into chilled glass and float cold champagne on top.

Having grown from 27 competing countries in 2014 to 44 this year, the Heering Sling Awards have evolved into proper global competition.

The first stages of this year’s comp have taken place, with the winners of national heats being announced, and making up the global pool of finalists.

Moving forward, the finalists will now be tasked with promoting their drinks in bars and to the public, with the assistance of a stipend from Heering. You can view their efforts on the Peter F. Heering Sling Awards Facebook page.

The next steps involve a semi final on August 26th in London, and global final at Berlin Bar Convent over the 7-8th October this year.

Congratulations to everyone who won their National heat, and a special slap on the back to David Hoggan from The Hoxton Pony for becoming the UK’s representative.

Win a trip to BCB in Berlin, 500 Euros and a silver Stelton shaker by putting your own twist on the iconic Singapore Sling.

Cherry Heering is a brand that all bartenders know and one that sits on almost every back bar in the country but the history of this brand is less widely understood. It has a heritage dating back almost 200 years since its launch in 1818. In fact Cherry Heering was one of the worlds truly global brands.

It is then, little surprise, that it is a vital ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Singapore Sling and Blood & Sand. It is the former cocktail that Cherry Herring celebrate each year through their Peter F. Heering Sling Awards.

The Singapore Sling may have gone out of fashion a touch in recent years (not least due to the bar that claims to be the home of the Sling now producing awful imitations of the drink that made it famous) but this should not take away from the fact that a well made Singapore Sling is a superb drink that should be in every bartenders repertoire.

Cherry Heering though are looking to the future and as a result run a competition each year to discover the latest modern twist on this drink. The competition now commands great respect internationally and this years entry system is up and running.

To get involved you need to compose a cocktail inspired by the classic Singapore Sling. The drink must include Cherry Heering – no homemade syrups or other infusions are allowed. Name the drink and take a picture (including the Heering bottle is a plus). Upload picture and recipe together with your information, via the Heering.com web page, before the 25th May.

From this point the 16 semi-finalists will be picked from the global entries by an international jury. These 15 will receive an electronic tablet with all the details on the next round. The next round will see all 15 finalists making a 3 minute video which will be judged in London before the top 5 are flown out to the BCB exhibition in Berlin to compete for the cash, goodies and bragging rights.

For those of you who haven’t been to BCB or checked out the Berlin bar scene it is well worth the effort for that alone. So get your creative hats on and put a spin on a drink which should be more celebrated, who knows you might even fall back in love with this classic.

Any frequent traveller knows that there’s more to see (and imbibe) beyond what’s offered in a hotel room minibar. To entertain clients, or for an unwind at the day’s end, knowing the best watering holes is de rigueur for discerning business visitors. Here are Singapore’s top tipple tips.
The Singapore cocktail scene is described as risk-taking and splashy, fuelled by disposable income from tourists, business travellers and well-heeled locals. Hotels and restaurants are eager to show off colourful drinks made with local tropical fruit (mangosteen, lychee, green papaya), often incorporating complex salty, sour or spicy flavours which may seem unusual to Western palates accustomed to straight-up sweet cocktails.
The iconic Singapore watering hole remains the Long Bar () in the colonial-style Raffles Hotel, home of the equally infamous Singapore Sling. Although the bar is reported to have lost some of its lustre since the days of Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling, it remains the singular place to sip a Sling.
Be warned: the Sling is too sweet for some. Mixologist Eben Freeman, who spent several years in Singapore building bar programmes for AvroKo properties, offers this advice: “Ask for your Sling to be hand-shaken, with just a dash of grenadine.” The Long Bar pumps out thousands of the popular drink each day, he says, and the other ingredients in a Sling (pineapple juice, Benedictine, Cointreau and Cherry Heering) are plenty sweet on their own. After, all, if you’re planning to shell out US$20 for a drink, advises Freeman, you want that drink made properly.
There’s much to tipple in Singapore beyond the Sling. On the Fullerton Hotel’s ground floor, the sleek Post Bar () (so named because the bar reveals the original ceiling of the pre-Fullerton General Post Office) is another classic. “All the business crowd goes there for Caipirinhas,” Freeman says.
Meanwhile, the panoramic view from the New Asia bar (), located on Level 71 of Swissôtel The Stamford, makes it a popular, corporate-chic destination for panoramic martini guzzling.
For travellers willing to go a little further afield for well-made classic cocktails, Freeman also recommends the forest-meets-veranda bar Klee (+65 6479 6911) in the former barracks compound, Rochester Park. And, “for the truly adventurous and wealthy,” the Tippling Club (), where barman-turned-chemist Matthew Bax of Der Raum in Australia mixes up unforgettable science-inspired cocktails such as the Smokey Old Bastard, a whisky cocktail served with wisps of “orange smoke” trapped within a mason jar.
Raffles Singapore Sling, courtesy of Eben Freeman
If a trip to Singapore isn’t on your travel itinerary, here’s how to make the classic drink at home. A Singapore Sling glass is a tall, footed glass, often with curved sides. A tall Collins glass can also be used.
1/4 oz grenadine
1/2 oz Benedictine
1/2 oz. Cherry Heering
1/2 oz. lime juice
3/4 oz. Cointreau

Heering and Accessorize 2009 is at present featured on the UK website “the Dish”. The Dish, which has approximately 240,000 unique users previously covered the recruitment phase of the Accessorize competition and were pleased to now have an opportunity to announce the winner of Accessorize 2009. More about this within shortly.

UK sent this week out a press release announcing the UK winner – fashion designer – in Accessorize 2009. See text below.

Its official, CHERRY HEERING® liqueur, the original element of the infamous Singapore Sling and Blood & Sand cocktails, today announce Edrima Hanson from Leicester as the UK winner of the Heering Accessorize 2009 global competition.

Following stiff competition from a number of talented designers, Edrima’s fabulous design was finally crowned the winner by the Accessorize 2009 UK judging panel. Comprised of award-winning fashion journalist Rebecca Howard and cutting edge design duo Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker (of British fashion emporium PPQ), the panel selected Edrima’s design describing it as “a killer cocktail dress with all the hallmarks of an attention-grabbing gown” and were particularly impressed with the “strong silhouette, luxurious details and interesting use of contrasting fabrics and textures.”

As the winner of the British leg of Accessorize 2009, Edrima will join the 14 other winners from each participating country at the Grande Finale in Singapore at The Raffles Hotel, to compete for the champion title. Edrima will be flown to Singapore for the final in June courtesy of Singapore Airlines, the national airline of Singapore. Judged by internationally renowned personalities from the world of fashion including Charlotte Ronson, The Grande Finale will showcase the crème de la crème of upcoming talent in an ‘extraordinary’ runway show.

A delighted Edrima, 40, who is currently studying Fashion and Contour at De Montfort University, Leicester, explained: “This really is a dream come true for me! Seeing my designs on a professional catwalk is the reason I entered the fashion world in the first place. This is such a huge opportunity for me and I am so excited about the chance to showcase my collection in Singapore, in front of so many key industry figures!”

Edrima will receive financial help to produce her mini-collection, including her winning design and two further original pieces, which will then be displayed on the catwalk at the world-famous Raffles hotel – home of iconic CHERRY HEERING® based cocktails, where over 3,000 of the infamous Singapore Slings are mixed every day.

As well as being crowned champion, CHERRY HEERING will also provide the aspiring designer a unique opportunity to showcase their collection at the internationally acclaimed Copenhagen Fashion Week (Spring/Summer 2010).

Its official, CHERRY HEERING® liqueur, the original element of the infamous Singapore Sling and Blood & Sand cocktails, today announce Claudio Bedini from London as the UK winner of the Heering Accessorize 2009 global competition.

Following stiff competition from some of the UK’s hottest aspiring bartenders, Claudio’s remarkable recipes saw him through to the final held at All Star Lanes on the 28th April where he was crowned the winner by the Accessorize 2009 judging panel. Comprised of industry figures, Harry Georgiou Managing Director of Amathus, Johan Svensson Director of Drinks Fusion and Luca Cordiglieri Chairman of UKBG and MD of Straight up Solutions Ltd, the panel selected Claudio’s cocktail because it ‘stood out in balance, creativity, presentation, depth of character and above all taste”.

Inspired by one of six haute couture dresses created by world famous Swedish designer Lars Wallin, Claudio’s classic ‘Spiced Cherry’ recipe confirmed his place in the final where he joined 20 of the UK’s finest mixologists in a live shake off. After a blind taste test, where the judging panel scored each drink out of 10 for appearance and colour and out of 20 for taste, Claudio was selected as one of the top 6 finalists asked to create a cocktail using the other Heering liqueur, not used in the original entry.

After much deliberation, Claudio’s Spice Cherry and Coffee Punch drinks instantly won him the title because both drinks contained all the ingredients of a great cocktail. “The ‘Spice Cherry’ delivered a scrumptious medley of flavours which beautifully showcased Cherry Heering. This particular cocktail also had commercial appeal which is essential to any cocktail’s success’ said Harry Georgiou.

As the winner of the British leg of Accessorize 2009, Claudio will join the 14 other winners from each participating country at the Grande Finale in Singapore at The Raffles Hotel, to compete for the champion Mixologist title. Claudio will be flown to Singapore for the final in June courtesy of Singapore Airlines, the national airline of Singapore. Judged by internationally renowned personalities from the Mixology world including Tony Abou Ganim, The Grande Finale will showcase the crème de la crème of upcoming talent from around the world in an extraordinary ‘shake off’ event!

Claudio, who currently works at Westbourne House, comments “Heering; not only are we talking about liqueurs, but also about heritage, history, fashion and design. It was an in-describable pleasure trying to mix two stunning cocktails to extol the magnificent taste of both Cherry and Coffee Heering liqueurs. I can’t believe I have made it through to the final!’

As well as being crowned champion, CHERRY HEERING will also provide the up and coming Mixologist with a unique opportunity to win the right to publish his/her own cocktail book together with Peter F. Heering.

-ENDS-
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information on the Cherry Heering Accessorize 2009 competition, please contact

Aspiring designers were asked to create a unique cocktail dress inspired by one of six CHERRY HEERING® cocktails, created by Scandinavian world class mixologist Richard Broni. Up and coming mixologists were invited to create a unique cocktail recipe inspired by a cocktail dress designed by Swedish top designer Lars Wallin for Accessorize 2009.

Glassware from high-end ornamental glass manufacturer Orrefors Kista Boda, whose international breakthrough came at the Paris Exhibition of 1925, was also a key element in the Heering Accessorize 2009 competition. Mixologists were asked to choose the Orrefors Kosta Boda cocktail glass which best complimented their cocktail while aspiring fashion designers were asked to submit designs inspired by illustrations of Cherry Heering cocktails set in Orrefors Kista Boda glassware.

Apart from the honour and international exposure of winning the Accessorize 2009, the winners of both categories will be awarded some fabulous prizes. The fashion designer will be given their own fashion show at the internationally acclaimed Copenhagen Fashion Week (Spring/Summer 2010) while the mixologist will win the right to publish their own cocktail book together with Peter F. Heering.

More about the winner – Claudio Bedini

After arriving in London, Claudio worked in two Eastern style Cocktail Bars (Zuma and Ping Pong). Over a year ago he secured a job at Westbourne House; a newly open cocktail bar in Notting Hill. Working at Westbourne House ignited Claudio’s passion for classics and mixology and today he is know as one of the most respectable cocktail mixers in the London scene.

• Cam wowed the judges with his Flowing Seasons, his perfect floral foam made with Lavender essence and Parfait Amour contrasting with the sweet blend of Cognac and Cherry Heering.
• Artur produced an impressive warm Gin Cherry Berry Teani served in a beautiful Tea pot with 2 cups, an interesting take on the classic colonial English afternoon tea sipped on the verandas of Raffles Hotel.

• Justin’s Tipping the Velvet was an exciting mixture of Coffee and Cherry Heering shaken with cinnamon infused bourbon, amaretto, maple syrup and a fresh espresso, served in a Crystal cut coup glass.

About the judges:

Harry Georgiou Managing Director of Amathus
A family founder member of Amathus, Harry joined the company straight from business school in 1978 and worked through each area of the business under the watchful guidance of the Secretary and Chairman to managing director in 1998!

Luca Cordiglieri
Passionate about the bar industry, Luca has expertise gained from over 20 years working in Italy, Switzerland and London. Luca began his career at an early age in his father’s cocktail bar in his native Italy and at the age of 24 he came to London to learn English, 16 years later he is still here!!

He spent his first year in London at the Hyde Park Hotel in Knightsbridge and in 1993 he moved to Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Bar. After a stint at the Beau Rivage in Switzerland came back to London in 1998 for another spell at Harvey Nichols.

In 2001 Luca moved to Hush in Mayfair and in 2002 he opened the very successful Elysium and Ku De Ta club and cocktail bar. Ku De Ta was listed in Britain’s 50 greatest cocktail bars in the Sauceguide vol.4. and the Ku De Ta bar team, who Luca recruited, trained & managed, were finalists in the ‘Best Bar Team 2004’ Class Magazine award.

In 2005 Luca moved to manage the Homage Cocktail and Champagne Bar at the Waldorf Hotel achieving 4 stars for service and quality of drinks from Class Magazine.

In May 2007 he set up Straight Up Solutions offering consultancy services to the hospitality industry. For the last 3 years Luca has been the Chairman of the United Kingdom Bartenders Guild for the London & South East area organizing many events for bartenders, from cocktail competitions to masterclasses and social gatherings.
Luca is currently working at China Tang at The Dorchester.

Johan Scensson

Johan is a creative consultant in the drinks industry specialising in spirits & wine. Over the years Johan has created and consulted for prestigious brands such as Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon & Tanqueray gin, creating extensive cocktail lists and producing a 4.5 rated bar by the Diffords guide.

Johan has managed high profile bars, clubs and restaurants as well as large function venues, trained staff at all levels harnessing talent and developing strong teams, delivering high levels of service in large scale operations.

At present Johan, is the Managing Director of Drinksfusion ltd.

Johan created Drinksfusion ltd to work closer and more directly with boutique style brands on a one to one level. The company helps develops brands by training bartenders and front of house staff with a focus on service, spirits and creative cocktail making. Drinksfusion ltd provides consultancy for bars and restaurants on an international level. The ethos of the company is creativity and quality.

CHERRY HEERING® ACCESSORIZE 2009 TO BRING TOGETHER THE BEST MIXOLOGY AND FASHION TALENT IN THE WORLD

Heering Launch Global Fashion Competition With A Little Help From PPQ…

CHERRY HEERING® liqueur, the original element of the infamous Singapore Sling and Blood & Sand cocktails, has announced the launch of Heering Accessorize 2009; a global championship in fashion mixing and drink designing aimed at discovering the world’s most talented mixologists and aspiring fashion designers.

Like a fabulous cocktail, Accessorize 2009 is a global competition which blends cutting edge fashion with world class mixology to create a spectacular fusion of style and innovation. Aspiring British designers are invited to electronically submit sketches of their original cocktail dress designs at www.heering.com. Each design must be inspired by one of six CHERRY HEERING® cocktails created especially for Accessorize 2009 by world-class mixologist Richard Broni. These inspirational cocktails come in six categories: Classic, Romantic, Exotic, Dramatic, Vintage and Rock’n’Roll.

Entries will then be judged by the Accessorize 2009 British Panel, which includes cutting edge designers Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker of British fashion emporium PPQ. Since the launch of the label in 1992, PPQ have become an inspiration and giant asset to the British Fashion Industry. Amy and Percy’s chic designs have become wardrobe staples for trendsetters of our generation, including Agyness Deyn, Lily Allen, Alexa Chung and Peaches Geldof. Together, Amy and Percy will select the British design which they feel best reflects the style of their CHERRY HEERING® cocktail of choice.

Accessorize 2009 Grande Finale In The Raffles Hotel, Singapore

The online winner of the British leg of Accessorize 2009 will then join the 14 other winners from each participating country, receiving financial help to produce their dress, together with a mini collection that will be showcased on the catwalk at the international Grande Finale on 4th June 2009 at The Raffles Hotel in Singapore – home of iconic CHERRY HEERING® based cocktails, where over 3,000 of the infamous Singapore Slings are mixed every day.

As well as the honour and champion title, the winner of the international Grande Finale of Accessorize 2009 will receive global exposure as CHERRY HEERING® will also provide the young designer a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Adéle Nilsson, CEO, Peter F. Heering comments:
“Accessorize 2009 is a revolutionary competition that will bring together the best up and coming talent in design and mixology from around the world. This inspired gathering of talent uniquely demonstrates CHERRY HEERING®’s commitment to maintaining its position as the ultimate fashion accessory.”

Judged by internationally renowned personalities from the world of fashion, The Grande Finale of Accessorize 2009 will showcase the crème de la crème of upcoming talent in an extraordinary runway show.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Accessorize 2009
HEERING: The accessory which adds extravagance, lavishness and civilisation to the mix
CHERRY HEERING® is looking for top mixologists who can create a unique cocktail recipe inspired by a cocktail dress designed by Swedish top designer Lars Wallin for Accessorize 2009 and for designers who can create a cocktail dress inspired by one of six CHERRY HEERING® cocktails, created by Scandinavian world class mixologist Richard Broni. In addition, mixologist entrants will be able to select a specially designed glassware piece from The House of Orrefors to accompany to their CHERRY HEERING® inspired cocktail recipe.
The first place prizes to be awarded in Singapore, apart from the honor and international exposure of winning Accessorize 2009, will be the right for the mixology winner to publish his/her own cocktail book together with Peter F. Heering by the end of 2009. The winning fashion designer will be awarded their own runway show at the internationally acclaimed Copenhagen Fashion Week (Spring/Summer 2010).
All participants must be 21 years of age or older and the deadline for entry into Accessorize 2009 is 22nd March, 2009. For more information and complete rules about Accessorize 2009, please visit https://www.heering.com.

The Swedish owner of XANTÉ Pear and Cognac Liqueur has acquired the Heering brand from V&S Group. The XANTÉ Company will assume responsibility for the sales and marketing of the cherry liqueur following a transition period. According to the deal, V&S will continue production for a limited time. The liqueur, distributed in the UK by Amathus Wines, has been produced since 1818 and is the original ‘cherry brandy’. It is sold in more than 100 countries all over the world. V&S acquired the brand in 1999 when it bought Danish Distillers.